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Helen Knight Leonard, 89, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at Gordon Hospice House.

Helen was born on May 27, 1933, in Isle of Wight to the late Burle and Effie Griggs Knight. She worked for the Suffolk News-Herald as a typesetter for many years before retiring.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her first husband, John H. Piland II; her second husband, Ralph Leonard and brother, Burle Knight.

Those left to cherish Helen’s memory include her daughter, Debra P. Beasley; son, Jay Piland (Elisha); five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Holly Lawn Cemetery in Suffolk with Dr. Thurman Hayes officiating. The family will visit with friends following the committal service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County at 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.